Change in lifestyle can cut cancer risk

LAHORE
On the eve of the World Cancer Day, a seminar was organized in Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL), Lahore on Wednesday.
According to a press release, INMOL Director Dr Abu Baker Shahid put light on raising awareness about breast cancer.
He said breast cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer-related deaths in women, saying that one out of nine women has lifetime risk of breast cancer.
Pakistan has the highest incidence in Southeast Asia, where 35 to 40 per cent of Oncology workload is attributed to breast cancer, he maintained.
In Pakistan breast cancer affects 30 to 40 per cent of women of 40-years old, whereas in West it affects 10 per cent women of the mentioned age group.
According to UICC and World Health Report 2005, some 47 per cent of newly diagnosed breast cancers in Pakistan are already in advanced stage. Annual clinical examination should be performed by a trained health worker after 40-year of age and at least after every three years starting at age 20. Any signs of disease seen should be further evaluated. In countries where mass screening programmes are established the mortality of breast cancer has decreased by 25-30 per cent.
Dr Rida Saffdar said currently 8.2 million people die from cancer worldwide every year, out of which 4 million people die prematurely aged 30 to 69. Guest of honour Dr Farrukh Iqbal, Dean and Chairmen of Shaikh Zayed hospital, stressed change in life style to reduce risk of cancer.
He suggested simple tips in this regard. He said if you are overweight, focus first on not gaining any more weight. When you are ready, try to take off some extra pounds, integrate physical activity and movement into your life, eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, choose smaller portions and eat more slowly. He urged parents and grandparents to limit children’s TV and computer time, encourage healthy snacking on fruits and vegetables and encourage activity during free time.